Timeliness
Timeliness Solved With An Invented Time Zone
Jay – My dad
“Garage Standard Time (GST)” refers to a personalized, agreed-upon schedule designed to pre-empt conflicts over punctuality in a household. This humorous yet effective system ensures that all parties involved are prepared and present at a set location, ready to depart at a specific time, thus restoring harmony and reliability to daily routines.
On the mornings of medical appointments, I’d find myself glancing at the clock repeatedly, the minutes ticking away with a speed that seemed to mock my anxiety. My work calls would wrap up, and I’d descend the stairs, hopeful yet apprehensive. More often than not, my hope was met with the sight of my dad, leisurely choosing his outfit, or misplacing his inhaler, the very picture of unpreparedness.
“Dad, it’s almost time. Have you seen your inhaler? And your shoes, you need your shoes,” I’d say, trying to mask the rising panic in my voice with a calm I didn’t feel.
“Oh, the inhaler. Now, where did I put that?” he’d muse, embarking on a leisurely treasure hunt that seemed to disregard the ticking clock entirely.
This daily ritual, a blend of comedy and crisis, pushed us to the brink of countless arguments. Our home, once a haven of peace, began to feel like a battleground over something as simple as being on time.
One evening, after a particularly stressful day that saw us missing yet another appointment, we sat down, the weight of our shared frustration hanging heavily between us. It was then, amidst the remnants of our latest argument, that the concept of “Garage Standard Time” was born.
“Dad, what if we set a special time for you to be in the garage, ready to go, no excuses? Let’s call it Garage Standard Time. You, me, the car, and your inhaler, all ready to go at 10:00 am sharp. What do you say?” I proposed half in jest, half in desperate hope for a solution.
He looked at me, a spark of understanding in his eyes. “Garage Standard Time, huh? That sounds like a plan,” he agreed, his voice carrying a note of compromise I hadn’t heard in months.
From that day forward, “Garage Standard Time” became our truce flag, a humorous yet effective strategy that transformed our mornings. I would remind him, every day, of our agreed-upon time, and to my surprise, he began to honor it. The sight of him, inhaler in pocket, shoes on feet, waiting in the garage at 10:00 am became a small victory in our daily lives, a symbol of our adapted routine that brought back a sense of normalcy and peace to our relationship.
The solution, born out of necessity and nurtured by our willingness to find a middle ground, taught us both the importance of compromise and the power of a little creativity in solving the most persistent of problems.
Operation Bingo
Angie – Oscar’s Story
Oscar, a full-time caregiver, had always created a packed schedule for Angie, who preferred to stay busy. Over the past few years, Angie had experienced a decline in her health and memory. These days, her time was mostly spent watching TV and knitting. Oscar now found it challenging to keep her engaged in important activities, especially her cherished bingo nights.
One evening, Oscar sat down with Angie at the dinner table. “Angie, you know how you always forget about bingo nights until it’s too late?”
Angie nodded, looking a bit embarrassed. “I just lost track of time, Oscar. You know that.”
“I have an idea,” Oscar said, smiling. “Remember your favorite movie, Saving Private Ryan?”
Angie’s eyes lit up. “Of course! I love that movie.”
“How about we call this plan ‘Operation Bingo’? When I text you ‘operation is a go,’ you’ll know it’s time to get ready for bingo. You’ll have fifteen minutes to get to the bingo room and claim a spot with your friends.”
Angie laughed. “Operation Bingo, huh? Sounds like a mission. I like it.”
The next bingo night, Oscar sent the text. “Operation is a go.”
Angie, who was finishing her dinner, saw the message and grinned. She quickly gathered her knitting, put on her shoes, and grabbed her bag. “I’m off to bingo, Oscar!”
“Go get ’em,” Oscar cheered, watching her leave with a sense of accomplishment.
A week later, the same routine. Angie was ready and waiting for her text. When it arrived, she jumped up. “Operation is a go!” she said with a determined look, heading towards the bingo room.
As Angie reached the bingo room within the care facility, she found her friends already there. “Got a spot just in time,” she said, smiling as she sat down.
Her friends noticed her punctuality. “You’ve been so on time lately, Angie. What’s your secret?”
Angie chuckled. “My caretaker and I have this thing called ‘Operation Bingo.’ He texts me when it’s time to go. It’s like a little mission.”
They all laughed, appreciating the humor and the effort. Angie’s mood improved, and she enjoyed her evenings with friends more than ever.
One night, Oscar noticed Angie was particularly excited. “What’s got you fired up?”
“I won the jackpot at bingo tonight! First time in ages!” Angie beamed.
“Operation Bingo strikes again,” Oscar said, giving her a high five.
The plan continued to work flawlessly, bringing joy and laughter to both Angie and Oscar. It became more than just a way to keep her on schedule; it was their special bond, a humorous and effective strategy to bring back a sense of normalcy and fun into their lives.
Meds and Notes
Trevor – Sabrina and Ramona’s Story
Trevor was a man of routine, promptly starting his days with meditation. But dementia had started to take its toll, making it hard for him to remember when to take his critical heart medication. His daughter, Sabrina, and his wife, Ramona, grew increasingly worried about his health.
One morning, as Trevor was up early meditating, Sabrina and Ramona sat in the kitchen, discussing their plan. “Mom, we need to figure out a way to remind Dad to take his meds without confusing him,” Sabrina said, concern in her voice.
Ramona nodded. “He starts every day with meditation. What if we leave his pills right by his yoga mat with a note? Something simple and kind.”
Sabrina smiled. “That’s a great idea. It’s part of his routine, and he’ll see it first thing.”
They wrote a note: “Good morning, Trevor! Don’t forget to take your pills. We love you – Sabrina and Ramona.”
The next morning, Trevor found the note and his pills waiting for him. He read the note, smiled, and took his medication. “That’s sweet of them,” he thought.
Later, Sabrina asked, “Dad, did you see the note we left for you?”
Trevor nodded, holding up the note. “It was nice. Made my morning.”
The routine quickly became part of Trevor’s day. Each morning, a new note awaited him with a little message of love and encouragement. “Hope you have a great day! Love, Sabrina and Ramona,” or “Remember, we’re always here for you. Take your meds! – Your girls.”
One day, Sabrina found her dad looking particularly content. “Dad, you seem happy today.”
Trevor held up the note he’d received that morning. “These notes, Sabrina. They mean a lot. Even when I can’t remember things, I know you both care.”
As Trevor’s dementia progressed, the notes continued. Some days, he’d read the same note multiple times, finding comfort in the familiar handwriting and the loving words.
One morning, Ramona noticed Trevor clutching a note close to his heart. “What’s that one say, Trevor?” she asked.
He read it aloud, “You are loved more than words can say. Take your pills and have a wonderful day. – Sabrina and Ramona.”
Trevor’s eyes filled with tears. “I may forget a lot of things, but I know my family loves me. These notes are my lifeline.”
Despite the increasing challenges of his condition, Trevor’s heart remained full, thanks to the thoughtful plan his wife and daughter had devised. Every note was a reminder of their unwavering support and love, a simple yet powerful gesture that made all the difference in his daily life.